Landmark building on Glasgow riverfront reaches milestone
The BBC’s new Scottish Headquarters has reached a construction milestone,
with the completion of the hi-tech building’s main structure. Glorious
sunshine and blue skies provided a glittering backdrop for the recent
‘topping out’ ceremony which was carried out in front of 200
invited guests, and included an enthusiastic speech by BBC Scotland’s
controller Ken MacQuarrie.
The new Headquarters at Pacific Quay is the most significant single project
in the history of BBC Scotland. With the aim of inspiring the public and
drawing audiences to its heart, BBC Scotland’s architectural brief
is to design a dynamic broadcasting HQ fit for the 21st century. When
the 32,500 sq m building is complete and fully occupied in 2007, BBC Scotland
aims to have created the benchmark for broadcasters in terms of state
of the art technology, production methods, and public access.
Keppie are employed by Bovis Lend Lease as implementation architects
for the delivery of the building, and working in conjunction with the
BBC’s Executive Architects, David Chipperfield Architects, the design
creates a simple open and transparent six storey glass structure. Internally,
a tiered sequence of platforms and terraces created over the central studios
appear as a grand staircase within the atrium.
Located on the south bank of the River Clyde the new building will provide
a focal point for the continued development and regeneration of Glasgow’s
waterfront area. The masterplan for the whole site provides something
unique in the UK – a specific area of the city where a range of
businesses can come together as a vibrant digital media community. |
